Honours Research Thesis (HUMN6012)

Course overview

The Honours program in the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry offers an opportunity to develop advanced research skills and make an original contribution to knowledge in the chosen discipline. It provides a significant competitive advantage for graduates. Honours is also an essential prerequisite for Higher Degree Research (MPhil or PhD). This course is the thesis component for students commencing Honours full-time in semester one in Classics and Ancient History (including Ancient History, Greek, and Latin), History, Philosophy, or Religious Studies. It provides skills and experience in research and thesis-writing.

Course requirements

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

Major in the relevant discipline with a GPA 5.5

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

HUMN6014, HUMN6022, HUMN6900, HUMN6901

Course staff

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to provide students with research expertise, analytical skills, and abilities in verbal and written communication.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment details

Honours Thesis

Mode

Written

Category

Thesis

Weight

100%

Due date

10/11/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

A word count that is within ±10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable. Word count does not include footnotes; however, discursive footnotes are included in the word count. A word count that is outside these 10% will receive a proportionate penalty and will be graded against the grading criteria.

Honours Thesis Assessment Criteria (History, Ancient History, Religious Studies)

Your Honours coursework essays and thesis will be assessed according to the following criteria:

1.    Research Question: Is there a clear and coherent research question? Is this research question important, interesting and/or innovative?

2.    Knowledge of Relevant Literature: Is there a review and critical assessment of the academic literature relevant to this research question?

3.    Method: Does the essay identify an appropriate method for answering the research question and given reasons for the adoption of this method? Has the method been consistently and correctly utilised in the essay/ thesis?

4.    Use of Primary Source Materials: Where relevant, does the student demonstrate a proficiency in selecting and locating relevant primary source materials/data?

5.    Quality of Analysis: Has the student presented an argument or thesis that answers the research question? Has the argument been clearly explained and adequately substantiated? Has the hypothesis been adequately explored and tested? Does the author demonstrate an ability to make scholarly judgments through critical analysis and argument?

6.    Written Expression: Is the essay/thesis written in a lucid, engaging manner, free from grammatical and other errors?

7.    Referencing: Is it adequately referenced as per discipline conventions?

8.    Overall presentation of the essay/thesis including word length.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 80-100%), your essay/thesis should demonstrate an exceptional level of competency in choice of thesis topic and structure of the thesis, a very high level of competency in application of research methodology, use of evidence, quality of analysis, and written expression. The presentation of your essay/thesis should achieve a very high standard. Your writing will be very clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

 To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 70 – 79%), your essay/thesis should demonstrate an advanced level of competency in choice of thesis topic and structure of the thesis, a high level of competency in application of research methodology, use of evidence, quality of analysis, and written expression. The presentation of your thesis should achieve a very high standard. Your writing will be clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve grade of 5 (60-69%) your essay/ thesis should demonstrate proficient but above average level of competency in choice of thesis topic and structure of the thesis, a proficient but above average level of competency in application of research methodology, use of evidence, quality of analysis, and written expression. The presentation of your thesis should achieve a high standard. Your writing will follow discipline conventions, have some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.

To achieve a grade of 4 (50-59%) your essay/ thesis should demonstrate a basic level of competency in choice of thesis topic and structure of the thesis, as well as a basic level of competency in application of research methodology, use of evidence, quality of analysis, and written expression. The presentation of your thesis should achieve an appropriate standard. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45-49%), your essay/ thesis will demonstrate that you have only achieved a superficial level competency in choice of thesis topic and structure of the thesis, as well as a superficial level of competency in application of research methodology, use of evidence, quality of analysis, and written expression. It will demonstrate that you have an emerging ability to apply basic knowledge and skills, but that this falls short of the Honours pass level. The presentation of your thesis should achieve an acceptable standard. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate or poor and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your essay/thesis will be faulty in its choice of thesis topic and structure. It demonstrates a low level of competency in application of research methodology, use of evidence, quality of analysis, and/or written expression. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your essay/thesis will demonstrate that you have failed to meet the minimum learning requirements and skill acquisition for this assessment task. Your essay/thesis will be deficient in its choice of thesis topic and structure. It will fail to reach the basic level of competency in application of research methodology, use of evidence, quality of analysis, and/or written expression. Arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate. The presentation of your essay/thesis will have failed to achieve an acceptable standard, and its organisation, writing, spelling grammar and referencing will be poor. Use of discipline conventions will be poor, absent or inappropriate.

Honours Thesis Assessment Criteria (Philosophy)

Topic Definition: Ability to define the topic or philosophical issue under debate.

1.             Argument and Structure: Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument for a certain point of view.

2.             Content: Ability to demonstrate a depth and breadth of understanding of the various positions in a philosophical debate.

3.             Originality: Insight and/or originality in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument.

4.             Presentation: Capacity to produce a polished, well-written and appropriately referenced essay.

Please also see the “Grade Criteria Rubric”.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 80-100%), your topic should be clear and well defined. You should produce a rigorously argued and clear essay/thesis, with a very high standard of coherent, critical and logically structured analysis. Your essay/thesis should be exceptionally well structured, demonstrating a high level of proficiency in constructing complex argumentative essays. Your essay/thesis should demonstrate an exceptionally high level of understanding of texts, problems, and core concepts. Your essay/thesis should also demonstrate proficiency at using highly relevant and widely sourced references. Your essay/thesis should present penetrating and novel insights about texts, concepts, problems and arguments. There should be clear evidence of creative and independent thought, and an engaging and creative use of examples. Your writing will be lucidly expressed, interesting and engaging. Throughout the essay/thesis, grammar and spelling will be of an exceptionally high standard. Referencing and bibliography will be of a scholarly standard.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 70-79%), your essay/thesis topic should be well defined. You should produce a well-argued essay, with careful and coherent critical analysis, and well-ordered logical analysis. Your essay/thesis should be generally well structured, demonstrating proficiency in constructing complex argumentative essays. Your essay/thesis should demonstrate a high level understanding of texts, problems, and core concepts, and demonstrate proficiency at using a wide range of relevant references. Your essay/thesis should present an advanced understanding of basic texts, concepts, problems, and arguments. There should be evidence of independent thought and creative use of examples. Your writing will be clearly expressed and articulate. Grammar and spelling will be of a high standard but may include a few errors. Referencing and bibliography will maintain high standards of citations and bibliography but may have occasional oversights.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 60-69%), your essay/thesis topic should be generally well defined. You should produce a coherently argued essay, demonstrating proficiency in application of critical thinking concepts. There should be evidence of argumentative structure demonstrating an ability to identify and reconstruct multi-reason arguments. Your essay/thesis should demonstrate a generally secure understanding of texts, problems, and core concepts, and demonstrate and ability to understand and incorporate some relevant references. Your essay/thesis should present a secure grasp of conventional readings of texts, concepts, problems and arguments, and an ability to understand the point of examples. Your writing will be generally clear and well expressed, with occasional grammatical and spelling errors. In general, bibliographic, and in-text conventions will be followed.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50-59%). Your essay/thesis topic should be adequately defined. In your essay/thesis, you should identify simple arguments, demonstrating an understanding of simple inferential relationships between reasons and conclusions. There will be minimal argumentative structure. You should demonstrate an ability to identify and reconstruct simple arguments. Your essay/thesis should demonstrate a basic understanding of texts, problems, and core concepts, with some relevant references appropriately cited. Your essay/thesis should present a satisfactory understanding of texts, problems, concepts, and arguments, and an ability to understand the point of examples. Your essay/thesis will be written with satisfactory expression. Grammar and spelling should be of an acceptable standard, though it may exhibit frequent errors. There will be limited adherence to referencing conventions.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45-49%), your essay/thesis topic will only be asserted. Your essay/thesis argument will not go beyond a sequence of assertions and will exhibit a lack of clarity and precision. The essay structure exhibits disorganisation and does not go beyond presenting opposing positions without explaining logical relationships between them. Your essay/thesis should demonstrate basic awareness with some lapses in understanding. References used in the essay/thesis are irrelevant to topic and/or insufficient in number. Your essay/thesis will only present a rudimentary grasp of texts, concepts, problems, and the role of examples in philosophical arguments. Your writing will have notable flaws in expression, and numerous grammatical and spelling errors. There will be some attempt made at referencing.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your essay/thesis will be defined with significant confusion. Your essay/thesis exhibits confusion, with flawed and disorderly analysis, non sequiturs and incoherent argument. The essay/thesis structure is unclear or convoluted, and/or there is a serious failure to identify, reconstruct or construct an argumentative essay. Your essay/thesis demonstrates a serious misunderstanding of texts and core concepts. References used are irrelevant to topic and/or insufficient in number. Textual interpretation is shallow and repetitive. It consists mostly of significantly flawed paraphrase. There is a lack of proficiency in interpreting and applying central concepts. Your writing has serious flaws in expression, with deeply problematic spelling and grammar. It is barely evident that referencing was attempted.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Fail, 0-24%), your essay/thesis definition will be off topic/non-attempt to define. There is insufficient evidence to measure argumentative abilities. There is only obscure and confused or absent analysis. Your essay/thesis has an indecipherable structure, with paragraphs and sentences that are logically unconnected. The discussion presented is irrelevant to the essay/thesis topic. References are either not included or irrelevant to the topic. There is insufficient evidence to measure whether an independent stance has been attempted. Language used in the essay/thesis is incomprehensible, with unintelligible grammar and spelling.

Honours Thesis Assessment Criteria (Greek or Latin)

Your Honours thesis will be assessed according to the following criteria:

1.        Research Question: Is there a clear and coherent research question? Is this research question important, interesting and/or innovative?

2.        Knowledge of Relevant Literature: Is there a review and critical assessment of the academic literature relevant to this research question?

3.        Method: Does the essay identify an appropriate method for answering the research question and given reasons for the adoption of this method? Has the method been consistently and correctly utilised in the thesis? Does this method demonstrate proficiency in critically analysing Greek or Latin texts closely, and in identifying the nuances particular to the author(s)/text(s) chosen for analysis?

4.        Translation: Does the student demonstrate a proficiency in translating texts into English, both by demonstrating that they understand vocabulary and grammatical constructions, and by being able to produce a good quality translation?

5.        Quality of Analysis: Has the student presented an argument or thesis that answers the research question? Has the argument been clearly explained and adequately substantiated? Has the hypothesis been adequately explored and tested? Does the student demonstrate an ability to make scholarly judgments through critical analysis and argument?

6.        Written Expression: Is the essay/thesis written in a lucid, engaging manner, free from grammatical and other errors?

7.        Referencing: Is it adequately referenced as per discipline conventions?

8.        Overall presentation of the essay/thesis including word length.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 80-100%), your thesis should demonstrate an exceptional level of competency in choice of thesis topic and structure of the thesis, a very high level of competency in application of research methodology, ability to work very closely and critically with Latin or Greek text(s), quality of analysis, and written expression. Your translations should be of a very high standard and demonstrate very clearly that you understand vocab, grammatical constructions, and nuances particular to the author(s)/text(s) studied. The presentation of your thesis should achieve a very high standard. Your writing will be very clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 70-79%), your essay/thesis should demonstrate an advanced level of competency in choice of thesis topic and structure of the thesis, a high level of competency in application of research methodology, ability to work closely and critically with Latin or Greek text(s), quality of analysis, and written expression. Your translations should be of a high standard and demonstrate clearly that you understand vocab, grammatical constructions, and nuances particular to the author(s)/text(s) studied. The presentation of your thesis should achieve a very high standard. Your writing will be clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve grade of 5 (60-69%) your thesis should demonstrate proficient but above average level of competency in choice of thesis topic and structure of the thesis, a proficient but above average level of competency in application of research methodology, ability to work proficiently and critically with Latin or Greek text(s), quality of analysis, and written expression. Your translations should be of a proficient standard and demonstrate that you understand vocab, grammatical constructions, and nuances particular to the author(s)/text(s) studied. The presentation of your thesis should achieve a high standard. Your writing will follow discipline conventions, have some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.

To achieve a grade of 4 (50-59%) your thesis should demonstrate a basic level of competency in choice of thesis topic and structure of the thesis, as well as a basic level of competency in application of research methodology, ability to work competently with Latin or Greek text(s), quality of analysis, and written expression. Your translations should be of a competent standard and demonstrate that you have a working knowledge of vocab, grammatical constructions, and nuances particular to the author(s)/text(s) studied. The presentation of your thesis should achieve an appropriate standard. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45-49%), your thesis will demonstrate that you have only achieved a superficial level competency in choice of thesis topic and structure of the thesis, as well as a superficial level of competency in application of research methodology, a superficial ability to work with Latin or Greek text(s), a superficial quality of analysis, and written expression. Your translations will demonstrate only a superficial knowledge of vocab, grammatical constructions, and a superficial understanding of the nuances particular to the author(s)/text(s) studied. It will demonstrate that you have an emerging ability to apply basic knowledge and skills, but that this falls short of the Honours pass level. The presentation of your thesis should achieve an acceptable standard. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate or poor and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your thesis will be faulty in its choice of thesis topic and structure. It demonstrates a low level of competency in application of research methodology, poor ability to work with Latin or Greek text(s), an inadequate quality of analysis, and written expression. Your translations will demonstrate an inadequate knowledge of vocab, grammatical constructions, and an inadequate understanding of the nuances particular to the author(s)/text(s) studied. quality of analysis, and/or written expression. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your thesis will demonstrate that you have failed to meet the minimum learning requirements and skill acquisition for this assessment task. Your thesis will be deficient in its choice of thesis topic and structure, deficient in demonstrating your ability to work with Greek or Latin texts. Your translations will demonstrate a deficient knowledge of vocab, grammatical constructions, and deficient understanding of the nuances particular to the author(s)/text(s) studied. will fail to reach the basic level of competency in application of research methodology, use of evidence, quality of analysis, and/or written expression. Arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate. The presentation of your essay/thesis will have failed to achieve an acceptable standard, and its organisation, writing, spelling grammar and referencing will be poor. Use of discipline conventions will be poor, absent or inappropriate.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

• Failure to submit all major assessment items (those worth 15% and above) will result in a maximum grade of 2 (Fail).
• By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration:‘I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment’.
• All students must ensure that they receive their Turnitin receipt on every submission of assessment items. YOU MUST CHECK THAT THE RECEIPT CONFIRMS THAT SUBMISSION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL.
• A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing.ﾠWithout evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after 7 calendar days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible so that they can confirm the outage with ITS.
• It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are submitting assessment items on a device that is capable of the task, and that appropriate internet bandwidth and speed is available. If you cannot be sure that your device or internet will enable you to complete or submit an assessment task, you must come onto campus and use one of the University Computers in the Library or Computer Labs.
• Plagiarism, and asking or paying someone else to do your work is cheating and constitutes academic misconduct. See ECP Section 6.1
• Feedback against the assessment criteria in the form of comments on your script will be provided through Turnitin or on your script directly.

For information on assessment remarks see: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Examinations Procedure
• Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.